The Clash of Land and Sea.

Chapter Six, part B

A few days after their second introduction of the Feren people, Cass had thought it a good idea to move in with the elves and out of the Outpost. They were each given their own small sleeping area; most of the elves lived the same way, none of them having any giant houses. Their dragons slept in the landing area with Kirin’s Nignra and two other green dragons. Along with loosing the luxuries that Out Post offered them, like having their clothes washed for them and food made for them, they now had chores to do in Feren.

            Hayden and the others had learned that Feren produced something that was used all over Eytherka; the giant deer that the elves rode. Each elfish city provided for their own city but they also produced something for the nation of elves. Some made weapons, others made clothing and Feren bred the biggest and strongest deer specifically for work and battle.

            Hayden had first seen one of the animals grazing in a field and at first glance had thought that they were thin horses until one of the bucks raised his head and showed off his giant, sharpened antlers. Hayden didn’t have to be told why they were a good animal to have.

            The elves still loved to spend time admiring Draek, Rilora and Shaylin and the metallic dragons were starting to love it. The dragons did their best to impress the elves and show off everything they could do.

            Hayden had begun to forget about their purpose in Feren. They had been there for some time and had began to get into a routine just like back in Celestial City and it was something that felt natural to them.

            Hayden had brought over all his gear from Out Post, as did Shane and Cass, but none of them had dawned their grays or any of their Metallic Rider gear since they moved into Feren. They had decided if they were going to live with the elves then they didn’t want to get any unwanted attention.

            Kirin had suggested that as long as they were staying in Feren that they should become active members of the city and take part in what the elves do. Aelfrie had been nervous about the riders staying with the elves of Feren but Kirin had talked him into it.

            After viewing the city Shane had quickly gravitated towards the elves training area. The elves used an area in the middle of the woods for their training grounds. They had let the trees and roots grow all over the place and bushes and knee high plants were scattered all around. The elves had not cleared any of it away like a traditional training ground and when Hayden asked them why their response was simple.

            “We don’t always fight on smooth, kept grass. So why would we train as if we did so?”

            After that Shane kept coming back to watch the elves train and practice. He watched as they jumped around using spears and swords in practice battle, breaking off into pairs to practice sparring and then going everyman for himself. After a few days Shane finally got up the nerve to ask if he could practice with the elves.

            He had brought along his giant copper broad sword and had it strapped on his back. As he made his way to where the instructor stood watch over the elves in training all eyes fell on him and all training stopped.